Podcasts are a goldmine for interior designers looking to elevate their business—they offer a direct line to industry leaders, business strategies that work, and all the inspiration you will need to stay ahead in the ever-evolving design world. Whether you’re craving tips to elevate your creative skills or looking for advice to fine-tune your business operations, we’ve put together a roundup of our top 10 interior design business podcasts that will have something valuable for you. Of course, we’re partial to our own, but we absolutely love and enjoy each of the ones on the list and know you will too!
Get ready to pop in your headphones! Here’s our top 10:
Emphasizing a business-savvy approach, Cheryl Kees Clendenon and Liz Lapan take you on a roller coaster of discovery, considering success from a different lens, breaking free from groupthink, and encouraging you to embrace your own authentic designer self. There is not much they will not say “out loud”. In this podcast, you’ll find no room for conformity as they shatter the mold of one-size-fits-all business practices. Each episode is full of damn good truths and real talk as they share invaluable insights on how to run and build a successful business while challenging the norms, the industry, each other, and YOU. Cherishing a “bad girl” reputation, Cheryl’s fearless attitude showcases a refusal to follow conventional wisdom, ask “why” repeatedly, and reject what no longer makes sense in today’s world. If you’re seeking a dose of inspiration, a splash of unconventional wisdom, and a refreshing perspective on the entrepreneurial world, tune in and let Cheryl and Liz, along with their expert guests in the fields of designers, architects, landscapers, and other creative professionals, guide you toward building a remarkable business that defies norms and sets you on a path to unparalleled success.
2. A Well-Designed Business
The A Well-Designed Business® podcast, hosted by LuAnn Nigara, is an invaluable resource for interior designers looking to master the business side of their craft. With her expertise as a business owner and deep understanding of the design industry, LuAnn delivers actionable advice, interviews with industry experts, and insights into key topics such as marketing, profitability, project management, and client relationships. The podcast is tailored to help designers elevate their businesses, improve efficiency, and achieve long-term success. Whether you’re an emerging designer or a seasoned professional, A Well-Designed Business® provides the tools, inspiration, and confidence to build a thriving and sustainable design business.
3. To The Trade Podcast
Join hosts Laurie Laizure, the founder of Interior Design Community, and Nile Johnson of Nile Johnson Interior Design, as they interview industry leaders and experts while exploring trends, strategies, and practical advice. Filled with helpful tools and advice for elevating your design business, managing clients, building your brand, and staying ahead with technology. They will be your cheerleaders and trusted friends as you work towards achieving success and fulfillment in your career.
4. Inside Design Podcast
A lively conversation about the latest interior design trends, travels, industry events, current design projects (the good, the bad, and the ugly), do’s and don’ts, product recommendations, and more. Just a warning – this is going to be fun and not too serious! After all, they do still have an interior design business running at full speed. Hosted by Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole, two nationally published Atlanta Interior Designers with a wealth of information to share and stories to tell about their business, Kandrac and Kole, and the interior design world.
5. The Business of Home
The Business of Home Podcast is a must-listen for interior designers who want to stay informed and inspired in the ever-evolving world of design. Hosted by industry insiders, this podcast offers thought-provoking conversations with top designers, entrepreneurs, and innovators shaping the design business today. With topics ranging from navigating industry challenges and embracing technology to mastering marketing and scaling a design firm, the podcast delivers actionable insights and forward-thinking strategies. Whether you’re looking to grow your business, understand market trends, or simply be inspired by the journeys of design leaders, the Business of Home Podcast is a powerful resource to keep you at the forefront of the interior design industry.
6. Dear Alice
The Dear Alice Podcast by Alice Lane Interior Design is an invaluable resource for interior designers seeking inspiration, professional insights, and actionable advice to elevate their craft. Hosted by seasoned design experts, this podcast dives deep into the nuances of creating timeless, functional, and aesthetically stunning spaces. From exploring the latest design trends and materials to discussing the psychology of space and client collaboration, Dear Alice provides designers with practical tips and fresh perspectives. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your career, this podcast will help you refine your skills, stay ahead of industry trends, and approach your projects with greater creativity and confidence. It’s like having a trusted mentor on call to guide you through the art and business of interior design.
7. Life of an Architect
A gifted storyteller who communicates the role and value of architecture to a new audience, host Bob Borson uses the experiences acquired over a 25-year career to inform his podcast. A small firm owner, architect, and college design instructor, co-host Andrew Hawkins brings his insight from his 20 years in various roles within the profession. It responds to public curiosity and common misunderstandings about what architects do and how they are relevant to people’s lives, engaging a wide demographic of people in a meaningful way without requiring an understanding of the jargon or knowledge of the history of the profession. With a creative mix of humor and practicality, Borson’s stories are informative, engaging, and approachable, using first-person narratives and anecdotes that have introduced transparency into what it really means to be a practicing architect.
8. Design Nerds Anonymous
Each episode seeks to spark curiosity at the intersection of business and design and to tackle the biggest issues that matter most to the industry. This podcast provides inspiration for your business, fuel for your design process, and connection with people and ideas for positive disruption. Episodes are released by seasons: The first season explored themes like technology and how the biggest innovations will come from process over product innovation. Season two digs deeper into business development in an increasingly digital era. Tune in for the topics that matter most to the design industry as a whole.
9. Practice Disrupted
In this podcast, architect and design strategist Evelyn Lee and architecture business strategy consultant Je’Nen Chastain help their audience rethink how to operate within the architecture industry. They explore how advances in technology, new practices, and cultural shifts are allowing people to change their business models. Each episode features an industry leader.
10. WorkLife with Adam Grant – TED Talks
As the design industry pushes beyond physical space to encompass psychology, mental health, and human connection, we also highly recommend spending some time with organizational psychologist Adam Grant. He takes us inside the minds of some of the world’s most unusual professionals to explore the science of making work not suck. From learning how to love criticism to harnessing the power of frustration, one thing’s for sure: You’ll be pushed to think again.
Whether you’re brainstorming your next big project, tackling your daily commute, or simply taking a breather, these podcasts are like having a personal mentor in your pocket. They’re packed with wisdom from industry experts, actionable tips for growing your design business, and stories to keep you inspired.
But don’t stop there—if you’re serious about building a profitable and fulfilling design career, we’ve got even more resources for you. Join our exclusive Facebook group, Small Business Think Big, where you can connect with like-minded designers and access tailored advice for your business journey.
Ready to dive deeper? Explore our business coaching resources to get the tools and support you need to grow your design business with confidence.
Now, grab those headphones, and let’s keep learning, growing, and designing your dream business together. 🎧✨